The Anambra State Government has condemned the assault on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by members of the state vigilante group.
The state government also confirmed that those responsible have been identified, arrested and detained.
Chronicle NG reports that the operatives armed with guns stormed the corps members’ lodge and accused them of being internet fraudsters despite their showing their identification cards and uniforms.
The vigilante operatives were seen beating the female corps member despite her cries for help.
In the process, the corps member’s clothes were torn, leaving her exposed.
Despite this, the vigilante operatives in their number continued to beat the female corps member.
In the video, she was seen begging the security operatives to stop as they continued to hit her.
The attack has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the vigilante group’s actions and demanding justice for the victim.
Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He confirmed that the operatives involved in the assault have been arrested and are currently being investigated.
According to Emeakayi, the event occurred during a joint security operation in which Agbunechemba, the state security agency established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, pursued suspected cultists into a residential property.
He said that the operation was part of Operation Udo Gatchi, which is a code name for joint task force operations including the police, army, Department of State Services, civil defence, and the state’s security forces.
“The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding on motorcycles when they pursued them into a compound.
“In the process of searching the houses in line with their mandate, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred.
“While they were acting within the law, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable,” he said.
He mentioned that the government wasted no time in addressing the matter once it was reported.
“Immediately after the incident happened, we arrested the operatives involved and placed them in detention.
“Our practice is to first carry out preliminary investigations, bring in the victims and complainants, and then determine whether the matter warrants internal disciplinary action or prosecution,” he stated.
Emeakayi revealed that the assaulted corps member was invited to his office alongside NYSC officials, where he personally listened to their account of the incident.
“Our conclusion is that while the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, the manner in which they acted was not acceptable.
“We have made that very clear, and disciplinary measures are being taken,” he added.
Emeakayi further highlighted the contrast between Operation Udo Gatchi and Agbunechemba, pointing out that the former is a cooperative security operation involving numerous agencies, whereas the latter is the state’s statutory security outfit established by law.
He assured Anambra residents that Soludo’s administration would not tolerate any abuse of power by security agents, especially against innocent civilians.
